The visit comes just weeks after Trump attacked Pope Leo over the Catholic leader’s anti-war rhetoric, calling him “Weak on Crime, Weak on Nuclear Weapons” and “terrible for Foreign Policy.” That came after Leo wrote on X that “God does not bless any conflict.”
Trump also shared an AI-generated image of himself as a Christ-like figure. Following rebukes from religious circles and some of his political allies, Trump removed the image.
Trump also dismissed Prime Minister Meloni — who has been one of his closest European allies — as lacking courage after she defended the pontiff.
For his part, the pope responded to Trump’s criticism by saying he had “no fear” of the White House and would not be silenced.
Rubio met with Leo, the first American pope, in May last year, alongside U.S. Vice President JD Vance after the two attended the new pontiff’s inaugural Mass in St. Peter’s Square.
There is no indication at this point whether Rubio will meet directly with the pope this week or with Meloni.
